Sunderland is a city by the sea with a difference - a modern, bustling centre that is balanced with a relaxing green environment, stunning coastal scenery and a refreshing attitude to life. In Sunderland, quality of life and quality of environment go hand in hand. The rapidly improving city centre has an enviable location, set right on the mouth of the River Wear next to a beautiful coastline surrounded by easily accessible countryside and you can add to that a range of outstanding heritage, cultural and sporting attractions.

For example, the Sunderland Empire Theatre is the only theatre between Leeds and Edinburgh large enough to host major West End shows. Opened in 1907, the theatre boasts splendid examples of Edwardian architecture; while St Peters Church, an Anglo-Saxon church in Monkwearmouth is one of the UK's first stone built churches. Built in 674AD, the tower and west wall have original Saxon feature with in-situ carved decorations. Together with St Paul's church in Jarrow, the twin monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow is to be the UK's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2011.

The award winning Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is another must-see attraction in Sunderland, where the museum tells the city's story from its early foundations to the present day accompanied by the stunning indoor winter gardens in a glass rotunda.

For the energetic types, the Sunderland Wall and Silksworth Sports Complex offer climbing, skiing and snowboarding while Adventure Sunderland and the North East Diving Academy, both located on the beautiful coastline of Roker, boasts facilities for windsurfers, kayakers and divers.

Sunderland's green spaces and magnificent coastline also make an ideal stage for a number of exhilarating outdoor festivals and events. From the adrenaline rush of the Red Arrows at the Sunderland International Airshow and the world's best kite flyers at the Sunderland International Friendship Festival, to traditional ox roasting and fireworks at Houghton Feast, there is always something going on in Sunderland to suit all tastes.

So, whether you're after relaxation, invigoration or both, Sunderland's distinctive mix of city, coast and countryside with its varying attractions will definitely be a breath of fresh air.

Sport
Sunderland has been named as a Host City in England's bid to host FIFA World Cup Football in 2018 or 2022. The impressive Stadium of Light is home to Sunderland AFC and in 2009 also hosted Take That and Oasis concerts. This summer the Stadium will host Pink's first UK on her Funhouse Summer Carnival Tour on Friday 11 June.

In recent years Sunderland has played host to The Great North 10K, Junior Great Sunderland Run and Great Women's Run. In 2010 Sunderland will host the UK National Swimming Championships at Sunderland Aquatic Centre - the only 50m pool between Leeds and Edinburgh. The competition will be the final qualification event for the 2009 Commonwealth Games and athletes will be looking to put in fast times in order to gain their place on the teams destined for Delhi.

Sunderland-born Olympic Bronze medallist, Tony Jeffries, won his first professional fight in the North East in 2009, in a fight covered by Sky Sports in Sunderland's Crowtree Leisure Centre.

Sunderland Tennis Centre hosts the AEGON Pro Series international tennis tournament, twice a year, as well as the Wheelchair International Tournament, LTA Junior County Cup and Tony Blair Sports Foundation Tournament, annually.
The city's dry ski-slope at Silkswort Sports Complex hosts the annual National Club Ski Race Competition and National Grand Prix Ski Race Competition.

Sunderland has a wealth of state of the art Wellness Centres with state of the art Technogym equipment, four swimming pool - three of which opened in the last two years and hundreds of classes, courses and leagues to encourage people to improve their wellbeing by being more active.

Shopping
The retail heart of the city is focused around The Bridges Shopping Centre, where over 100 top name high street stores jostle for position along the bright and airy walkways. New investment is bringing life back into the fine Victorian streets of the city centre, where independent shops and boutiques offer everything from designer labels to trendy interiors.

Eye-catching pieces of jewellery, glassware and ceramics are also a Sunderland speciality, with craft and gift shops at the museums and galleries featuring the works of up and coming designer-makers. Sunderland city centre is compact, easy to walk around and get to by public transport, there are reasonably priced car parks and it's free to park on Sundays.

Eating out and nightlife
Sunderland is a city that knows how to enjoy itself, and with a host of new bars and restaurants opening to join the established favourites there is no shortage of places to have a good time. Sunderland city centre features an array of contemporary and traditional bars, clubs and pubs. Sunderland's underground music scene is also something to watch out for when visiting the city. Bands and DJ's of all genres strongly reflect the diversity of the scene, attracting large crowds from across the UK to regular gigs within the city's countless venues.

The city is home to some of the most visited cultural attractions in the country, with its museums, galleries and theatre programmes, as well as cinema, ten-pin bowling and casino. The Sunderland Empire, the city's theatre since 1909, draws in the crowds with its programme of major West End hits and one-off shows.

How to get here
Sunderland is situated on England's North East coast and is the largest city between Leeds and Edinburgh.

Road: Sunderland is easily accessible from the A1, the main north-south route along the eastern UK, and from the A19. The cities of Durham and Newcastle are within very easy reach by road and by public transport, 12 and 20 miles away respectively.

Rail: Grand Central Railway has now launched its passenger service operating an interim timetable between Sunderland and Kings Cross in London.
The light-rail Tyne and Wear Metro service is an easy means of getting around the Sunderland city region, as well as offering a 30-minute direct link into Newcastle city centre.

Air: There are international airports at Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley, served by amongst others British Airways and low fare airlines such as Easyjet and Ryan Air. Ferry links from Tyneside include routes to Scandinavia and Northern Europe.

Where to stay?
Sunderland offers a range of visitor accommodation to suit all tastes, from three and four star hotels to cosy guest houses and B&B's.

An index on the http://www.visitsunderland.com/ website gives a summary of the facilities available, along with an indication of room rates and a map reference for the city maps. To make sure prices are current and the facilities meet all your needs, please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 0191 553 2000 or call the establishment directly using the details provided.

All the hotels and guesthouses listed in his index have a television in each room, central heating, tea and coffee-making facilities and welcome children and families. Every establishment has also been inspected to an established national standard.

The prices quoted indicate the range of prices applicable to each room type in the hotel/guesthouse. It is advisable that you check prices prior to booking as room rates will vary.
Special offers may be available so remember to ask. All prices are subject to availability.

For more details go to http://www.visitsunderland.com/

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